“Blessed be the memory of him who gave the world this immortal game”
(A. G. Gardiner)

5 januari 2011

The ultimate chess puzzle book

I promised my coach i would do some tactics. So i looked at my chess book collection to see if i had once purchased a book with the intention of doing tactics. I found the ultimate chess puzzle book of IM John Emms.

"This book provides a wealth of puzzle positions to test just about every facet of your tactical skills. The puzzles in this book have been selected by analysing games new and old in search of original puzzle positions.

It is very unlikely that even seasoned solvers will recognise many of these positions. Emms, by allying his skills with those of powerful computers, has also made every effort to ensure that the solutions are sound, and that there are no unmentioned alternative solutions.

The book begins with 100 relatively easy positions suitable for novices, and ends with 100 extremely tough puzzles, which provide a mind-bending challenge even for top-class players. There are 1001 puzzles in all."

I wonder why i let it collect so much dust? I know the reason but i dont want to say: "just pure lazyness of my part", but that is probably the main reason. Another reason, and one i have with most of my chess books, is that i get started with the book but after some pages i put it aside to never open it again.

Anyway, i did the first 40 puzzles and i must say that i am neither displeased or pleased with my solving skills. It takes a few moments before i can solve a puzzle but atleast i can solve them. So i guess with a little more practise ... .

By the way, i recommend this book to every chess player. I am not the only one.

"Leonard Barden, Evening Standard: "The material is well chosen, and a marking system enables you to assess your performance relative to masters and grandmasters."

Phil Adams, The Manchester Chess Scene:"Verdict: a useful puzzle book that can be used by a wide range of strengths for relaxation or for serious training. Would make an excellent present for a keen junior."

Einar Gausel,Dagbladet:"Emms has resisted the temptation to borrow from other puzzle collections... [an] excellent training manual."

Mark Donlan, Chess Horizons:"(..) exceptional (..) the perfect resource for improving your game by studying tactics and it's accessible to players of all strengths."

Geen opmerkingen:

My chess wish

40 year old 1800+ rated chess patzer that wants to reach 2000+ chess rating once in his life.
Will take lots of time and hard work from me. But my chess coach/teacher believes its possible. Who am I to disagree.